Sitting in the topless bus to enjoy the city tour is most delightful

We had so much fun exploring Singapore on our recent trip. It was not a last minute
decision but 6 months ago Chandra's siblings decided to make this trip to Singapore
to celebrate their youngest brother, Manogaran birthday. Yeah, he is half a century young.

We went by plane from Penang. All seems smooth, the ride and service is great in Jet Star.
What impressed me most is when we arrive at Changi airport.

Since we decided to have a relaxed holiday in Singapore, Chandra and I took our time
to explore Singapore, at our pace. We decided to do what tourist do, site seeing the Lion City.

Changi Airport

Starting form the Changi airport, we walk from Terminal One to T2 and T3. Singapore
is getting more futuristic on every trip we seeing her. We took a sky train from Terminal
1 to Terminal 2 and it zoom off in seconds.

What seems heartening is seeing a few groups of students led by the teachers visiting
and discovering their homeland.Exploring Singapore

Joke aside, from little tiny teeny kids to twelve or thirteen years of age, obediently
lined and walking side by side listening to what the teachers who acted as tour guide
for the day.

We participated in some activities of awareness for tourist at the airport. How I wish
to see more of this scenario in Penang.

There were many types of flyers for you to pick once you alight from the airport.
We quickly scan through what we wanted to do for the day. Singapore was on high
alert due to the APEC Conference.Exploring Singapore

Singapore City Tour

Nevertheless, we told ourselves we going to enjoy ourselves. We took a bus
numbered 36 to the Singapore Flyer. The friendly driver shared some insights of
happenings in town. We can't helped but admired the bus he was driving.

There were at least 4 cameras to help him perform his duty as a bus driver. 1 camera,
I was told was making sure the conversation he had with the passengers were recorded
in case of abuse.

1 for use for taking photos of cars using the bus lane which is then capture on air
then the car drivers will be penalized for using the bus lane. But I think he mentioned
4 to 6 cameras per bus, so how many buses does Singapore have, I wonder?

Anyway, we could not get down near Singapore Flyer as Suntec City bus stop was closed
due to the Apec conference, so we had to walk all the way to the Singapore flyer.

But luck was not on our side as they had to suspend it as it was raining heavily. We
saw a topless bus so we asked the driver whether this is the city tour bus.

We quickly decided on a city tour which offered $15 per person for an hour ride to
the city. Plus we were able to have another tour to view the cultural heritage which
we both wanted to see.

Circling around town, Winnie our tour guide explained about heritage and history
of Singapore. Though it was a fast commentary, we were able to grasp and understood
what she was saying.Exploring Singapore

We learned the early history of Samsui women. The Samsui were spinsters who arrived
in Singapore with the earliest of immigrants in the 1820s. Adorned with their trademark
red "hat", they performed menial jobs in the early construction industry.

We saw many architectures quite familiar with what we have in Penang and I must say
they are well preserved. Even the old City Hall had some use, a countdown clock for
2010 Youth Olympic Games.

Chicken Rice and Bottle Tree Park

On the second day, our Singapore friends took us for lunch. For me it is chicken
rice all the way. Many people would laugh at my simple meal but to me, Singapore
have one of the best chicken rice in this region.Exploring Singapore

From downtown after lunch, we were driven to Yishun to see Bottle Tree Park where
you get to see this unique tree that is shaped like a bottle.

Those trees are not tropical trees but they survived pretty well. We really enjoyed
our time with Evonne, Francis and their little son.

Nite Safari

Come evening, Yoke Wah or the newly wedded Mrs Neil Thompson took us for Nite
Safari. That is AWESOME! Sitting in the train with hundreds of visitors, a pretty
lady trying her best to take our imagination to far away land of the wild.

It was an educational cum fascinating evening seeing tigers, lions, elephants,
tapirs, bats as huge as a hawk.

The Leopard Trail walk through many get smart gates and chain fence makes our walk
pretty alert and active in the dark.

We were very impressed with the state of art security. Every measures for us to
enjoy the evening is all taken care of. The guide even showed us the skull of the
lion which was 10 years old.Exploring Singapore

Overall we enjoyed our Nite Safari adventure. And yes, I would do it again if only
the lighting were better as I did not get good shots of the animals.

I discover later there were other packages which one can enjoy the city plus some other
activities all package with one price.

It would be interesting to go for the river cruise and many other spots. All you have to
do is pay for one to enjoy 4 or 5 packages. I forgot to bring the flyer back but I think
when I next visit Singapore again, there will be better deals.

Night scene in Orchard Road

Nothings beats Christmas time in Singapore. We took the bus down to Orchard road
and walk around at midnight.

Gosh, the streets were so alive and vibrant with youngster enjoying and relaxing their
time away drinking with their friends. The streets decoration for Christmas in Singapore
keeps tourist and locals coming back year after year.

Mano's Birthday

But the main highlights of exploring Singapore starts when all siblings of Chandra
arrived in Singapore for Mano's birthday.

Youngest sister's Susila family, Swaran, son Saravana and fiancée Uvaraani drove from
Nilai, Malaysia in the wee hours to Singapore. Next time, you join us exploring Singapore, ya!

Elder sister Saro with husband Datuk Mohan and Nivashini who just got back from
Australia flew in the same day we did from Penang.

Elder sister in law Thamendi, son Vighness, Kumaresa and Subathra drove in from Cheras
in the wee morning to Singapore.

And in Singapore, we were warmly welcomed by Mona, his wife Chandrika. Son Pavam who
is still in national service with Aravind who just completed his O levels examination
greeted us warmly.

We had delicious food bought over from Malaysia and not forgetting Emily dishing out
some of her favorites.

All of us treasured the moments together, some were unforgettable. I loved the modern
Indian temple with pastel color.

Mano, the 360 deg turn was a sign of obedience and spontaneously your show of respect
for the elders is heartening even at your age. We wish you more happy years to come.

Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa

The grand dame of Batu Ferringhi is Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa which has catapulted Penang to fame
as the first beach resort in the region with a five star hotel status.
Top notch with a spacious living room, dressing area, large marble bathroom, separate bath-shower and soaking
bathtub on balcony, feel like a king and queen during your stay!

Golden Sands Resorts

Shangri-La's Golden Sands Resort, Penang brings together the magic of the east and the comforts of the west,
with its rooms and suites offering all the amenities you would expect from a deluxe resort. Recreational
activities include exciting water-sports, jungle trekking, or simply lounging at one of its many pools.

Bayview Beach Resort

The Bayview Beach Resort is the perfect retreat for holiday-makers, conference and business travelers. Lay back and
enjoy the sun-drenched beaches and swaying palm trees from the hotel's award-winning landscaped gardens.